Migraine--a risk factor for dissection of cervical arteries.

A case control study technique was employed to test for an association between non-traumatic cervical artery dissection and several possible risk factors. A significant positive association was shown with migraine, independent of type and treatment regimen. No such relationship was found with smoking history, hypertension or past oral contraceptive use. There was, however a significant and independent association with current oral contraceptive use.